The Cabo Delgado Province hosted a series of events from May 22 to 24 in Maputo, showcasing investment opportunities and promoting economic development in the Cabo Delgado region. These events featured high-level meetings and a comprehensive round table discussion focused on the role of the extractive industry in stabilizing and boosting the local economy.
The round table was led by Valige Tauabo, Governor of Cabo Delgado Province. Joining him were Silvino Moreno, Minister of Industry and Commerce, and Moisés Paulino, National Director of Hydrocarbons and Fuels at the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, as well as representatives of other stakeholders.
“Cabo Delgado is a region rich in mineral resources and has a significant development potential, but we need support from our partners to help us develop the economy, create more jobs and ensure a better future for the people of Cabo Delgado and all of Mozambique,” stated Governor Tauabo.
Minister Moreno highlighted that the extractive industries in Mozambique require a structured supply chain to support the country’s industrialization process.
Moisés Paulino, the National Director of Hydrocarbons and Fuels noted region’s richness in energy and mineral resources: “Cabo Delgado is rich in mineral resources, including solid minerals, ruby, gold, graphite, and gas. These resources can help drive the socio-economic development of the region,” noted Paulino.
Silvino Moreno, Minister of Industry and Commerce, and Moisés Paulino, National Director of Hydrocarbons and Fuels at the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, speaking at the Cabo Delgado Round Table in Maputo – May 24th, 2024
Onorio Manuel, the General Director of MozParks, highlighted the development opportunities in the Cabo Delgado region and presented the model and advantages of Cabo Delgado Parks, a network of industrial parks in the Montepuez, Balama, Ancuabe, and Palma districts, along with a logistics base in Pemba. This network, operated by MozParks, aims to accelerate economic development, promote youth employment, and develop the green economy. In collaboration with the MozYouth Foundation, a range of programs has already been developed.
“MozParks operates two industrial parks in the country. Our parks function around anchor companies that attract other projects, working together to develop the region by creating new jobs and supporting SMEs. This is a proven model, and our mission is to continue developing other regions of Mozambique based on this model. But, in order to do that, it is important to bring and keep the suppliers in Cabo Delgado where operations are happening.” said Manuel.
The parks in Cabo Delgado will offer diverse facilities, including agro-processing, construction, logistics, renewable energy, SME support, training, security, certification assistance, conservation, NGO spaces, cold storage, commercial areas, a food court, sports facilities, and residences to foster a holistic and sustainable business environment.
Geert Klok, President of the Chamber of Mines of Mozambique, called the Cabo Delgado Parks initiative a win-win for all stakeholders. “Local economic development can benefit all stakeholders. Industrial parks situated near anchor industries such as mining can provide employment for host communities and opportunities for local entrepreneurs,” stated Klok.
Investment Round Table on the development of Cabo Delgado province
Representatives of multinational companies operating in Cabo Delgado, such as Twigg Exploration and Mining, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies Mozambique, and ENI Rovuma Basin, also participated in the roundtable and expressed their support in shaping Mozambique’s economic landscape.
Arne Gibbs, the General Director of ExxonMobil in Mozambique, welcomed the Cabo Delgado Parks initiative and expressed company’s interest in supporting the development of economy in Cabo Delgado, noting the benefits for all stakeholders involved.
General Director of TotalEnergies in Mozambique, Maxime Rabilloud, and Technical Director of ENI Rovuma Basin, Ivan Codognotto, both expressed their interest in this initiative and commitment to the development of the northern part of the country. Supporting local communities by providing job opportunities and training is of crucial importance in driving economic growth.
Official Launch of the Cabo Delgado Parks Website
Launch of the Cabo Delgado Parks website by Valige Tauabo, Governor of Cabo Delgado Province and Silvino Moreno, Minister of Industry and Commerce
A significant highlight of the roundtable was the official launch of the Cabo Delgado Parks website, a new platform dedicated to promoting and facilitating investment in the region’s industrial parks. The website was inaugurated by the Governor of Cabo Delgado Province and Minister Moreno, marking the beginning of the round table.
This new digital platform aims to enhance transparency, provide up-to-date information on investment opportunities, and support the strategic development of industrial parks in Cabo Delgado. The launch marks a pivotal step in the province’s efforts to attract global investors and drive sustainable economic growth.
About MozParks
MozParks is a developer and operator of Sustainable Economic Zones, established as a public-private partnership between the Mozambican Government Agency for Investment and Export Promotion (APIEX) and Swiss-Mozambican investors. As the only industrial park operator in Mozambique, MozParks manages parks in Beluluane and Nampula, with plans for expansion into Cabo Delgado province. To date, MozParks has attracted over 50 companies from 18 countries, securing over USD 3 billion in investments at the Beluluane park in Maputo province.
As part of its ongoing mission to promote Mozambique as an attractive investment destination, MozParks’ General Director, Onorio Manuel, is attending the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, as part of the Mozambique Business Mission led by the President of Mozambique Filipe Jacinto Nyusi.
The 11th annual summit brings together a community of 2,000 business leaders, CEOs, investors, heads of state, and ministers to debate Africa’s most pressing priorities and set its business agenda. Organized in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, the forum serves as a pivotal platform for shaping Africa’s economic future. This year’s conference features prominent participants, including the President of the Republic of Rwanda, the President of the Republic of Kenya, as well as key business entities such as Africa Finance Corporation, Total Energies, AfreximBank, and ENI.
“This forum is a remarkable opportunity to present Mozambique’s dynamic business environment and the substantial investment prospects we offer,” said Onorio Manuel. “We are eager to engage with global investors and showcase the unique advantages of investing in Mozambique.”
Left to right: Onorio Manuel, General Director of MozParks, Maxime Rabilloud, Country Chair and Rogério Samo Gudo, Managing Director of TotalEnergies
Over the course of the two-day event, MozParks had the opportunity to engage with various stakeholders from both the private and public sectors. Discussions centered on the collective role in supporting Africa’s economy and development, with a notable increase in interest in Mozambique’s investment potential.
“We hope to leverage this forum to attract more investors and continue driving economic growth and development in Mozambique”, Manuel added.
ABOUT MOZPARKS
MozParks is a developer and operator of Sustainable Economic Zones and is a public-private partnership between the Mozambican Government Agency for Investment and Export Promotion (APIEX), and Swiss-Mozambican investors. MozParks is the only industrial park operator in Mozambique, with parks in Beluluane and Nampula and expansion plans in Cabo Delgado province. MozParks has already attracted over 50 companies from 18 countries, and over USD 3 billion in investments in the Beluluane park in Maputo province.
